Ethan and Macinley Butson are scientists in the making. 76658 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By Vanessa Chircop
ETHAN and Macinley Butson love science – you could say it’s in their blood.
The brother and sister from Woollongong have been recognised as Australia’s top young science stars.
Ethan took first place in the BHP Billiton Science Awards with his little sister placing first in the primary section of the awards, held at Scienceworks last week.
Both Ethan and Macinley agreed that science played a big part in their lives with their father, a doctor who works predominantly with cancer patients, encouraging their interest in the field.
Macinley, who was excited to win the award, said she was also very proud of her brother, who won the award for the second time. “He’s worked so hard for it,” she said.
The 11-year-old said she was still undecided on what she wanted to do when she grew up, but said she had a strong interest in both medicine and astronomy.
Macinley’s winning project involved the creation of a pyramid shaped device that could reflect more sunlight onto a solar panel to increase its electricity output.
Ethan, 16, hoped his project might one day put his dad out of a job.
He invented a circular sticker badge which accurately measures ultra violet radiation.
When the badge is exposed to the sun, it changes colour according to the level of UV exposure.
“I wanted to help educate people about UV,” he said.
“My Dad treats cancer patients – if this works, it might make his job a lot easier.”
For his efforts, Ethan was awarded $3000 and the chance to compete in at The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles this May.
